Estonia Public Limited Company

Estonia’s economy has boomed in recent years as it has pursued a liberal business agenda in preparation for EU membership, which was finally achieved in 2004. Foreign investment has flooded into this small Baltic state enabling it to create a relatively relaxed environment for the international business community. However, Estonia is still developing and investors considering establishing a company in the country should tread carefully. It is particularly important here to seek professional advice on all legal, financial and tax matters. We have a network of carefully-selected local advisers, so please contact us for assistance regarding company registration in Estonia.

Key Features

Estonia Public Limited Company

Corporate Details

General

Type of Entity

PLC

Registered Office in Estonia

Yes

Shelf company availability

Yes

Our time to establish a new company

1-2 Days

Corporate Taxation

24%

Access to Double Taxation Treaties

Yes

Share capital or equivalent

Standard currency

Euro

Permitted currencies

Any

Minimum paid up

€2,550

Usual authorized

€25,500

Bearer shares allowed

Yes

No par value shares allowed

Yes

Directors

Minimum number

One

Local required

No

Publicly accessible records

No

Location of meetings

Anywhere

Corporate directorship allowed

Yes

Shareholders

Minimum number

One

Publicly accessible records

No

Corporate shareholder allowed

Yes

Location of meetings

Anywhere

Company Secretary

Required

No

Local or qualified

Not required

Accounts

Requirements to prepare

Yes

Audit requirements

Yes share capital exceeds EEK 400,000 (€25,500)

Requirements to file accounts

No

Publicly accessible accounts

No

Other

Requirement to file annual return

No

Migration of domicile permitted

Yes

Advantages

Political stability:Estonia is a democratic and peaceful state, and the country’s stability and international credibility are further underpinned by its membership of the EU, the WTO and NATO.

Economic stability:Although economic growth has slowed of late, the Estonian Government welcomes foreign investment with open arms, a policy reflected in the country’s favorable flat tax system. Sound macroeconomic management has led to a strong banking system, and while the euro has brought costs, such as labor costs, more into line with the rest of the EU, they remain broadly lower than in Western Europe.

Location:Estonia is situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia and is well connected to these territories by sea, road and air.

Tax:Corporate and personal income taxes are comparatively low and simple thanks to the introduction of a flat tax, while corporations pay no tax on undistributed and reinvested profits. Withholding taxes are also favorable, and Estonia has a large network of double tax avoidance treaties. Estonia is therefore an ideal hub for export, trading and holding company activities.